An extraordinary event happened last month in the courtyard of Culver City High School due to the creative thinking and coordination of Councilmember Jim Clarke. It began when Clarke spoke to Nick Guthman, Culver High Student Body President, about the service hours students are required to complete before graduation. The discussion included ways of making students aware of the nonprofit groups in the city.
Clarke followed up by meeting with the student council in December and found that the best way to accomplish this goal was to share the task with Sierra Smith, External Affairs Manager with Antioch University, which is offering a degree program in nonprofit management.
After much planning and coordination with Culver High Principal Dylan Farris, and the school’s Director of Student Activities Carlos Valverde, a nonprofit Volunteer Service Day was organized on Feb. 7. A total of 20 groups participated including museums, animal services, children’s services, music groups and many others. Representatives of each organization staffed booths and students were able to visit during fourth period and lunchtime.
The endeavor was highly successful with the students learning about volunteer opportunities, and non-profits connecting with each other finding mutual goals. Plans are in the works to repeat the event in the fall.
“I was extremely pleased at how well everything went and how much all those involved appreciated the effort we made to help the students and the community,” Clarke said. “We are looking forward to the next Volunteer Service Day and impacting more students and groups.”
Clarke can be contacted by email at clarke4council2014@ gmail.com, or through www.clarke4council2014. com. Join us on facebook-Clarke4Council2014, and on Twitter@Clarke4Council.